cheaper non-cycling products

what are some of the products marketed towards cyclists that have much cheaper non-cycling counterparts? i would have to say plenty of the cleaning/lube products, and jerseys. unless i find a design that i instantly fall in love with, i'm not gonna pay $50 for a nike drifit tshirt that's a size too small.

Bright yellow Starter Dri-Star t-shirts at Wal-Mart for $6.83. They make superb jerseys. You can buy a tapered version for a couple of bucks more. Some WalMarts also offer actual Starter Dri-Star cycling jerseys with the front zipper for about $12.

Of course, they don't have some French bank's logo plastered across the front... but you have to make sacrifices somewhere when you're on a budget.

Bright yellow Starter Dri-Star t-shirts at Wal-Mart for $6.83. They make superb jerseys. You can buy a tapered version for a couple of bucks more. Some WalMarts also offer actual Starter Dri-Star cycling jerseys with the front zipper for about $12.

Of course, they don't have some French bank's logo plastered across the front... but you have to make sacrifices somewhere when you're on a budget.

What cracks me up are the degreasers. Just put Pedros on the label and you can charge a freakin' fortune for a little bottle of the stuff, whereas something like Simple Green you can buy all day long cheap. Or better yet the ZEP citrus degreaser available at Home Depot for $8 a gallon. You can't beat that with a stick!

Socks. Cycling socks are another thing I have an issue with. What is so fantastic about them that a regular pair of crew or ankle cut athletic socks can't do?

And lubes too. Last year I used 3in1 and it worked as well as any of the other cycling specific petrolium based lubes I've tried. Really couldn't tell any difference except for the price. My chains didn't care! Same with grease. Marine grease will work just fine.

Yes, some of the cycling specific stuff gets a little silly at times.

I did not achieve this position in life by having some snot-nosed punk leave my cheese out in the wind. - Ed Rooney

Campmor has some good bargains on closeout clothing. Here's an example. This shirt is made with moisture wicking fabric and has a partial zip just like a bike jersey and has a reflective logo on the back, but doesn't have any pockets, for $12.97, regular price $50.00.